FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Colorado State coaches are watching old game films from Arizona and Texas A&M for clues about what kind of defense the Colorado Buffaloes might use on Saturday under their new defensive coordinator.
Mike Hankwitz took over the Buffaloes defense after stints at Arizona, Texas A&M, Western Michigan, Purdue and Kansas.
At Arizona last season, he used a 4-3 format. At A&M the previous six years, Hankwitz used a variety of schemes, and the Aggies became known as the "Wrecking Crew."
"We have no clue what they are going to do," CSU offensive coordinator Dan Hammerschmidt said as the Rams prepared for the season opener in Boulder.
"We've used a lot of old tape from Arizona and some from Texas A&M to try and figure out what kind of scheme they will be using," Hammerschmidt said.
"The big factor is their cornerbacks. If their cornerbacks can really cover guys, they can do a lot of wacky things on defense. If not, they'll probably have to be a little more conventional."
The Rams may have an easier time predicting CU's secondary. First-year Colorado secondary coach Craig Bray worked with CSU coach Sonny Lubick in 1990 at Miami. Colorado State receivers coach Matt Lubick worked with Bray at Oregon State.
"We think we'll have some idea of what their secondary is doing," Hammerschmidt said.
Colorado State will use its one-back offense again this season as it has for the past 11. Quarterback Justin Holland has plenty of experience after backing up Bradlee Van Pelt the past two seasons.
"I can't imagine going into this game if we didn't have Justin. He gives us an edge," Hammerschmidt said. "The big thing for us is that we just have to make sure we protect the heck out of him and not turn the ball over."